FARAH, Afghanistan – Soldiers with 1st Platoon, Troop B, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, attached to 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, conducted tactical training with their Afghan National Security Forces partners Dec. 18-23.

Though “Bandit” Troop conducts regular training with the Afghan National Army, the training focus has shifted to more complex tactical instruction.

“Teaching the basics to our Afghan partners is a vital aspect of partnership and mentorship,” said Capt. Kyle Hoisington, commander of Troop B. “However, to guarantee that they are able to transition into an independent and effective military force we have a responsibility to teach them the more complex aspects of offensive operations.”

The training focused on the M240B and M249 machine guns, infiltrating and exfiltrating, route selection, operation post establishment, engagement area, development, force protection procedures, range card construction, priorities of work, traffic control point operations, and mission planning and execution.

The ANA soldiers started their training by building a terrain board with assistance of 1st Platoon soldiers. Using the visual aid emphasized the importance of mission planning and briefing. During the training, the ANA leadership helped instruct on several aspects of offensive and security operations.

“It was very fulfilling to see our ANA partners proactively engaged in both the learning and teaching aspects of the exercise,” said Staff Sgt. Chris Cannaday, a squad leader with 1st Platoon.

After the training was complete, the ANA and 1st Platoon soldiers conducted a joint nighttime patrol to apply all of the lessons learned during the training. The ANA demonstrated their ability to conduct proper troop leading procedures while executing complex missions.

“The ANA soldiers displayed a firm understanding of force protection and offensive operations,” Cannaday said. “This showed us that the partnership and mentorship we have been dedicated to has been effective.”

“As the ANA continue to learn and show an increased ability to function as an independent military force, I am confident that they will succeed as the primary security force for Afghanistan,” said 1st Sgt. Luis Sulit, the first sergeant of “Bandit” Troop.

Connected Media